3. Hair dye

Sure, we all want to show men our pink, heart-shaped welcome mat. But beware: our skin down there is way more sensitive than on our head, meaning hair-dye related burns and irritations are far more likely.

And if you’re really adamant about dyeing your pubic hair, do your research first and find products that are free of irritants.

4. Certain lubricants

Lubes that contain parabens, petrochemicals, DEA, glycerin, methylisothiazolinone, and fragrance are a big no-no. Many of these ingredients are linked to cancer, hormone balance disruption, and skin irritations, says Stokes.

Also be aware that oil-based lubes are thicker and harder to cleanse out of your lady parts, which can lead to infection.

6. Sharp objects

7. Dirty toilet paper

Ladies, this goes without saying, but ALWAYS wipe front to back. Not doing so can result in fecal matter making its way into your vagina, leading to infection.

8. Medications

Medications, drugs, and alcohol can become absorbed in too high quantities because the vagina is very vascular and absorbs chemicals very efficiently, says Dr. James.

There’s an urban legend about women placing vodka-laced tampons in their vagina to absorb the martini-buzz into their bloodstream. But NO, this is NOT a good idea.

9. Soft plastic sex toys

Because sex toys are sold as “novelty items,” they’re not FDA-regulated for body safety. Many toy manufacturers don’t even list the ingredients in their toys, leaving us in the dark about what we’re putting into and around our vaginas.

“Many soft plastic/rubber toys are made with phthalates, some of which have been designated as possible human carcinogens,” says Dr. Emily Morse, a sex expert.

These softer plastic, rubber, or “jelly-like” sex toys can undergo wear and tear, and develop cuts and nicks that tiny microbes and infection-causing bacteria can live in, says Morse.

10. Bodies of water

Pools and jacuzzis seem like an inviting environment for sex, but “These man-made recreational bodies of water are always chlorinated, and chlorine may disrupt the natural pH balance in the vagina. Lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and all natural bodies of water are host to a whole gang of microbes and bacteria that can be harmful to the vagina.

sex in these bodies of water can force this bacteria into the vagina, leaving it vulnerable to bacterial infections, irritation, etc.,” says Morse.